The Deadlift and its Benefits
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Strength trainers and bodybuilders know the deadlift well. In fact many people may even argue that it is one of the best exercises to do when building strength - maybe even one of the best exercises ever. Read below about the benefits, cautions, and then check out a video of how it works.
Benefits of deadlifting
The deadlift is a compound exercise and is so effective because of it’s overall body development. It works just about every muscle in the body. The muscles it targets include:
- quadriceps
- hamstrings
- glutes
- trapezius muscles
- lats
- spinal erectors
- abs
Because the deadlift works so many muscles, particularly your core muscles, it can help reduce lower back pain and improve posture. It is also as great fat burner since you are working so many muscles at once. With all of those muscles getting a workout, you can end up boosting your metabolism as well.
Things to be aware of before deadlifting
Good form is essential when attempting the deadlift. There are a lot of mistakes you can make with bad form which can lead to serious injury. If you have never done the deadlift, it would be best to get advice from a personal trainer or an experienced strength trainer on proper form. Other things to keep in mind are:
- Avoid moving your feet (they should stay in one place)
- Don’t round your back
- Don’t lean backwards as you lift
- Try not to do the movement to quickly (jerking the bar)
- Don’t lift more weight than you can handle
I plan on purchasing a barbell and weights just to begin performing the deadlift. It looks like a very effective exercise. Check out a video below of how it is performed.
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Comments
Dead lifts are great for working core muscles! They work quads, hams, lower back, midsection, upper back, traps and forearms. Great blog BTW I read it all the time.
As for people with back problems, see a doctor first of course, but it helped my back a lot.
Once I started doing dead lifts, my back problems went away completely! Make sure your form is good and you should be ok.
A lot of the things you hear about back problems caused by dead lifts is an old myth. The one dead lift I don’t like is the straight legged dead lift. That one seems to cause problems (at least for me).
Remember that everyone’s body is different so consult a doctor first.
Yeah, deadlifts are great - they’re my favourite exercise bar none. The whole back issue is usually down to form. Especially if you do not keep a tight arch in the lower back. Often, if you lack the flexiblilty through your posterior chain (hammies usually) you’ll round in the lower back when gripping the bar in the lowest position.
Don’t let that lower back round and you’ll be ok. Romanian deads are great for the hammies too.
The dead lift is one of my favorite exercises. But note that if you have or have ever had back problems - you might want to avoid this like the plague! Also try other variations if you’re healthy - do clean and press and that’s working like the entire body.